The Anambra State Government has announced the appointment of the former Commissioner for health and present Chairman of governing Council, Anambra State College of Health Technology Obosi, Dr. Josephat Akabuike, as the new Chief Medical Director, CMD, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka less than 24-hours after the death of the Chief Medical Director, Late Dr. Basil Nwankwo.
The appointment was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to Anambra State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu on Wednesday.
Late Dr. Basil Nwankwo allegedly died in the early hours of Wednesday from an ailment suspected to be heart-related.
The statement added that the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi has been appointed as the new Chairman of Anambra State College of Health Technology, Obosi. Noting that he will combine both roles.
According to the statement, the appointments take effect immediately.
The state government commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Nwankwo family of Ifite-Dunu Dunukofia Local Government Area, over the demise of their son, Dr. Nwankwo, who was until his death, played a key role as the Chief Medical Director Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka.
It expressed the grief of Governor Willie Obiano on the unfortunate death of Dr. Nwankwo, who performed creditably well as Chief Medical Director of COOUTH and has been in the frontline of saving lives since the outbreak of COVID-19, together with his colleagues at Amaku, Anambra State Ministry of Health, and other partner agencies.
It added that the state government is in touch with late Dr. Nwankwo’s family and wished his soul eternal rest.